When: September 21- September 23th, 2012 ("Shark-a-thon" is the following weekend, which we want to avoid)Where: Padre Island National Seashore Start Time: 2012-09-21-1200 End Time: 2012-09-23-1200Trip Leader: PuckPhone: 281-865-3216e-mail: Shoot Puck a PM on this board

Trip Description:We will take four-wheel drive vehicles down Padre Island National Seashore during the anchovy migration, and target blitzing schools of ladyfish, jacks, redfish, and tarpon. Based on Ed's recommendation: Let's change this up a little from last year. Let's start earlier Friday afternon, and run all the way to the jetties, and fish the next day, Saturday, on the way back. More to follow.

How to sign up:Sign Up Here on line., on the sign up sheet distributed at the monthly meeting or e-mail the trip leader.

How to get waiver forms:Download here Required Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information.

About the area: At 60-70 miles long, Padre Island is the longest, undeveloped, barrier island in the world. Anglers with four-wheel drive vehicles can access almost all of it.

Fall brings bait migrations and large schools of predators. The water is typically clear (much more so than Galveston).

• When the club did this trip in September, 2006, 14 anglers hooked 8 tarpon. Countless large ladyfish were brought to hand, as well as some big jack crevalle. • Last year, 2011, there were 7 anglers. Ladyfish were the most caught species, with reds and trout also brought to hand. We still have no idea what spooled Carpman.

The typical fishing method involves cruising the beach while looking for signs of fish. When a school is sighted, anglers bail out and start casting. The Port Mansfield jetties (at the very end) offer deep water access.

Driving on the beach can be difficult. Four-wheel drive vehicles are required. Realize that a tow for a stuck vehicle here could cost you thousands (yes, thousands). Cell phones do not work on the island, except at the extreme ends.

The Malaquite Pavilion offers public showers to get off the sand and salt before the drive home.

Recommended guidelines for participants:• Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns • If inexperienced, then buddy up. • If you are boating or kayaking, inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times. Shouldn’t apply on this trip, but still good advice.• Sign in and sign out at the meet up point. Inform the trip leader if you will be fishing in a different place.

By the way... Here's what Matt looks like when he is being spooled by a fish. I love his expression - frustration! Note the angle of that rod - pointing straight out while that fish was heading to Cuba!

Even though the winds were blowing over 25mph we switched to spinning gear and still had a great time. Regrettably, a work conflict will prevent me from joining the group in PINS this year... argh!